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The letter said: "There will not have been an Ireland-based actor in an Abbey Theatre production on an Abbey stage since Jimmy’s Hall ended on 8 September 2018 until The Country Girls opens on 23 February 2019.

Fine Gael TD, Josepha Madigan

"That is five and a half months without an Ireland-based actor directly employed by the Abbey."

The letter was signed by high profile stars including Aidan Gillen, Ciaran Hinds and Sinead Cusack.

This afternoon, the Arts Council said it would be withholding funding due to the theatre until officials could prove that sufficient opportunities had been provided to Irish based artists.

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An Arts Council spokesperson said: "In recent months the Arts Council has sought assurances from the National Theatre as to the quality of employment opportunities it provides for Irish based artists, including remuneration at Abbey rates.

"The Abbey is now required to evidence the range and nature of these opportunities.

"As with all Arts Council funding, support to the Abbey in 2019 will be based on a funding agreement. €300,000 has been withheld pending confirmation that these conditions have been met."